I made a good start to my "Kettle Korn" painting today. I've been collecting reference photos since last week when the inspiration struck me. I could just see my dad carrying that oversized bag and smiling with his blue eyes. He makes a good model, and follows instruction very well. He seems to understand that I have something in my head that I am trying to re-create on paper, so he plays along. I love my Dad for understanding me!
At this point in the drawing, though, I have to forget who I'm studying and concentrate on the expression I am trying to convey. The word "MIRTH" is in my head. I will keep drawing the eyes until I get them looking out at me the way I want. I am drawing this part right onto the paper, because I found that if I "get it right" on the transfer paper, it is difficult to get the same result when I transfer it to the watercolor paper. I have to be careful erasing, so I don't rough up the surface of the paper. I am using a soft white eraser, very gently as I draw. I use several reference photos with different elements I want: eyes, hands, main composition. Hopefully, it will all come together to make a fun character portrait!
It is also difficult for me, as someone who likes to pencil sketch, not to put too much graphite on the watercolor paper. I tend to want to fill in and blend, but this would muddy the transparent watercolor. So, I am just trying to get a good line drawing at this point.

Congratulations to MISS LIDDIE, for winning the QUEEN'S Choice Award and a MERIT AWARD at the 2013 West Virginia Strawberry Festival in Buckhannon, WV.
---Truly, I only paint the form. Her spirit and smile are what communicates to the viewers!    :) Next week, she goes off to TAMARACK, for the Best of West Virginia Exhibit.

My latest painting, "JUMP!" was inspired my Miss Emma, and makes me smile just thinking of her energy. This is one of my entries for the WVWS Aqueous Juried Show coming up this Summer. Hopefully, the Juror will catch her energy also... Good LUCK, Little Miss EM!
I truly feel very blessed to have so many little inspirations! :)